A 70-acre green space sits right in the heart of Oklahoma City’s downtown, stretching from the urban skyline all the way down to the Oklahoma River. This isn’t your typical city park. Scissortail Park represents a $132 million transformation that brought together a divided city and created an entertainment hot spot that pulls in hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
The park came to life in stages between 2019 and 2022, taking over what used to be Interstate 40’s route through downtown. Oklahoma City voters gave the green light to funding through the MAPS 3 sales tax initiative, covering construction costs without piling up any city debt. Hargreaves Jones designed the space as part of the Core to Shore vision, creating what planners describe as a “green zipper” that links downtown to the riverfront.
Key Takeaways
- Scissortail Park covers 70 acres with Upper Park (40 acres) and Lower Park (30 acres) joined by the eye-catching 380-foot Skydance Bridge
- Funded completely through MAPS 3 voter-approved sales tax with a $132 million budget and zero municipal debt
- Love’s Travel Stops Stage holds 15,000-25,000 people for big concerts and festivals
- Sports facilities include futsal, basketball, pickleball courts, plus a full-size soccer field down in Lower Park
- Native landscaping features more than 1,000 trees and drought-resistant plants that support local wildlife
- Sits right next to the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel and acts as the front yard for the Convention Center
- Free admission with year-round events including concerts, festivals, and community gatherings
Oklahoma City's Urban Transformation Through Strategic Design
Scissortail Park covers 70 acres across downtown Oklahoma City, working as what urban planners call a “green zipper” that connects the city center to the Oklahoma River shore. Hargreaves Jones, the well-known landscape architecture firm behind the design, created this space as part of the bigger Core to Shore development vision.
The park sits on land that Interstate 40 used to occupy, which cut downtown off from the riverfront for decades. City leaders moved the highway to physically bring these areas together, opening up continuous walking and biking routes from the urban core straight to the water’s edge. This smart repositioning turned a barrier into a bridge between different parts of the city.
The Scissortail Park Foundation handles management instead of direct city government oversight. This setup gives them flexibility in how they run things while keeping the space open and active for everyone. The foundation organizes events, takes care of facilities, and makes sure the space works well for both locals and visitors.
Two distinct sections make up the park experience. Upper Park takes up 40 acres with groomed landscapes, performance spaces, and city-style amenities. Lower Park spans 30 acres with a wilder, nature-focused design featuring native plants and walking trails. The striking Skydance Bridge links these areas, letting you move smoothly through the entire 70-acre space.
MAPS 3 Success Story
Scissortail Park stands as the showpiece of Oklahoma City’s MAPS 3 capital improvement program. Voters approved funding through a one-cent sales tax initiative, pulling in about $132 million for park development without needing to issue bonds or take on long-term city debt.
The “pay-as-you-go” funding approach meant construction moved forward as tax revenue came in. This method cut out interest payments and debt service costs that usually weigh down large public projects. Oklahoma City finished the entire park development while staying financially responsible and avoiding any strain on future budgets.
Upper Park opened its gates September 27, 2019, giving people immediate access to the main attractions including the performance stage, lake, and primary recreational spots. Lower Park rounded out the vision on September 23, 2022, bringing in sports facilities, nature trails, and more green space. The staged opening let residents enjoy parts of the park while work continued on what remained.
The park’s debut came just months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, setting up downtown Oklahoma City for recovery and growth. This timing turned out to be pretty fortunate since outdoor recreational spaces became so much more important during public health restrictions.
Economic Impact and Development Catalyst
Construction happened alongside major nearby developments including the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel and Convention Center expansion. The park works as the main outdoor space for convention folks and hotel guests, forming an integrated entertainment and business district. Social Capital beer hall and other entertainment spots border the park, creating a complete downtown destination.
Love's Travel Stops Stage and Entertainment Hub
Love’s Travel Stops Stage anchors the Upper Park entertainment district, fitting between 15,000 and 25,000 people for major concerts and festivals. The stage looks out on the Great Lawn, creating natural amphitheater seating with downtown Oklahoma City’s skyline as the backdrop.
Concert programming runs from local artists to nationally touring performers. The venue’s size and professional sound system match up with traditional indoor arenas while giving you the unique feel of outdoor shows in an urban park setting. Festival events spread throughout the entire Upper Park area, bringing in the lake, walking paths, and nearby spaces for vendor booths and extra activities.
Scissortail Boathouse runs on the 3.7-acre lake, renting out pedal boats and canoes during the season. The lake brings scenic beauty and something fun to do, though you can’t swim in it for safety and water quality reasons. Families often rent boats for relaxed tours while taking in views of the downtown skyline and Skydance Bridge.
Spark restaurant gives you a permanent dining spot with a mid-century modern vibe, focusing on burgers and frozen custard. The restaurant stays open year-round, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Food trucks add to your dining choices during events and busy times, giving you variety without needing more permanent buildings.
Family and Recreation Amenities
The children’s playground has a fort-style structure with geometric climbing areas, water features, and a seasonal sprayground. Water play runs during warmer months, giving relief during Oklahoma’s brutal summers. Parents like that they can see the playground from multiple sitting areas and that it’s close to the bathrooms.
A dedicated dog park gives pets off-leash areas, split into sections for different dog sizes. The facility has water fountains, waste disposal stations, and shaded seating for owners. This feature meets the needs of urban pet owners while keeping things separate from other park activities.
Skyline Walk promenade gives you elevated views of Oklahoma City’s downtown core. This walking path connects major park features while offering photo spots and scenic places to rest. Evening hours show off the city’s lit-up buildings and the LED-lit Skydance Bridge.
Athletic Recreation and Lower Park Nature Experience
Sports Pavilion holds multiple court surfaces including one futsal court, two basketball courts, and four pickleball courts. These facilities work on a first-come, first-served basis during regular hours, with reservation options available for organized groups and leagues. Court lighting lets you play in the evening during extended daylight hours.
A full-size grass soccer field works for pickup games and organized events. The natural turf needs maintenance during Oklahoma’s extreme weather but gives you a better playing surface than artificial options. Adult and youth leagues use the field for regular programming, while casual visitors enjoy open play.
Nature walking trails wind through tall native grasses and wildflowers designed to look like Oklahoma’s Cross Timbers region. These paths offer a big contrast to Upper Park’s groomed landscapes, creating what visitors call a shift from “city” to “country” when you cross the Skydance Bridge.
Union Station Plaza brings in the historic Union Station building, though the structure’s interior stays private and undeveloped. The plaza gives you public space while keeping the architectural heritage. Future development plans might bring the building interior to life, but right now access focuses on appreciating the outside and plaza programming.
Ecological Design Philosophy
Lower Park’s design highlights native plant communities and natural processes. Walking trails follow the lay of the land rather than geometric patterns, creating winding paths that show you different views of both natural areas and the city. Signs along the way teach visitors about local ecosystems and wildlife habitat.
Skydance Bridge
Skydance Bridge stretches 380 feet across Interstate 40, giving pedestrians and bikers safe passage between Upper and Lower parks. The bridge’s 197-foot sculpture takes inspiration from Oklahoma’s state bird, the scissor-tailed flycatcher, creating a distinctive landmark you can see throughout downtown Oklahoma City.
The bridge does more than just get you across. It works as public art and a city symbol. Its sweeping curves and dramatic height create a recognizable silhouette that defines Oklahoma City’s skyline right alongside traditional building towers. Visitors often stop for photos, especially during sunset hours when the structure’s form creates striking shadows and light patterns.
Programmable LED lighting switches colors for holidays and special events. Christmas displays, Independence Day celebrations, and local team wins prompt coordinated lighting shows that bring the community together around shared experiences. The lighting system runs nightly, keeping the landmark visible while changing colors maintain visual interest.
Walking across the bridge takes about five minutes at a relaxed pace, though lots of visitors spend extra time enjoying views and snapping photographs. The structure includes rest areas with seating and weather protection. Safety railings and non-slip surfaces keep you comfortable during Oklahoma’s changeable weather conditions.
Sustainable Landscaping and Environmental Innovation
More than 1,000 newly planted trees bring shade, visual beauty, and environmental benefits throughout the 70-acre space. Tree selection focuses on native species adapted to Oklahoma’s climate swings, from sub-zero winter temperatures to summer days that top 100 degrees. Drought-resistant varieties cut down on watering needs while supporting local wildlife.
Rainwater collection systems capture stormwater runoff for watering the plants, reducing strain on city water supplies. These systems show sustainable development practices while keeping the landscape healthy during dry spells. Underground storage and distribution networks work invisibly, keeping the look attractive while providing practical benefits.
Specialized garden areas include Woodland Gardens featuring shade-loving native plants and Ornamental Gardens showing off colorful seasonal displays. These spaces teach people about Oklahoma’s diverse plant communities while creating varied experiences throughout the park.
Native plantings support local pollinators including bees, butterflies, and other helpful insects. Migratory birds use the park as a stopover spot, particularly during spring and fall migrations. Better biodiversity creates learning opportunities for school groups and nature lovers while helping urban ecological health.
Economic Development Hub
Omni Oklahoma City Hotel provides 605 rooms right next to Scissortail Park, with many guest rooms looking out on the park. Hotel guests reach park amenities through short walks, creating connected experiences for business travelers and tourists. Conference attendees often use park spaces for networking events, outdoor meetings, and free time activities.
Oklahoma City Convention Center, sitting east of the park, cost $288 million as part of the same MAPS 3 program. The park acts as the convention center’s “front yard,” giving outdoor space for large gatherings, vendor displays, and attendee recreation. This relationship makes Oklahoma City more competitive for major conventions and trade shows.
Oklahoma City Streetcar connects the park to Bricktown entertainment district and Midtown shopping areas through a continuous loop system. Public transportation gives you options besides driving, especially valuable during large events when parking fills up fast. Streetcar stops right next to both Upper and Lower park entrances make access convenient.
Social Capital beer hall and venue sits along the park’s eastern edge, giving you additional entertainment options within walking distance. This closeness creates energy between park programming and private entertainment venues, encouraging longer visits and more spending throughout the district.
Transportation and Accessibility
During major events, parking congestion hits surrounding streets and lots. Streetcar service gives you reliable alternatives, while ride-sharing and taxi services work from designated pickup spots. Event organizers work with city transportation officials to handle traffic flow and keep access open for emergency vehicles.
Year-Round Programming and Community Integration
Upper Park’s groomed design works for structured programming including concerts, festivals, farmers markets, and cultural celebrations. Event infrastructure includes electrical service, water access, and staging areas that support professional-quality productions. Permanent bathroom facilities and maintenance buildings keep visitors comfortable during all activities.
Seasonal programming adapts to Oklahoma’s climate patterns. Summer concerts take advantage of longer daylight hours and warm weather, while fall festivals celebrate harvest seasons. Winter programming focuses on holiday celebrations and indoor venue partnerships when weather limits outdoor activities.
The sprayground runs seasonally, typically from late spring through early fall depending on weather. Water features give cooling relief during Oklahoma’s intense summer heat, making the park more comfortable for families with young kids. Regular maintenance keeps water quality safe throughout operating seasons.
Design style balances urban infrastructure with natural prairie beauty that’s characteristic of Oklahoma’s landscape. Hard-surfaced areas handle large crowds and formal events, while softer plantings create cozy spaces for individual recreation and small group activities. This flexibility makes sure the park serves different community needs throughout the year.
Food truck programming adds to permanent dining options, giving you variety during events and regular operations. Vendor spaces fit different truck sizes and utility needs, encouraging diverse food options that reflect Oklahoma City’s growing food scene. Scheduled rotations make sure repeat visitors find new options regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scissortail Boathouse runs seasonal rentals for pedal boats and canoes on the 3.7-acre lake within Upper Park. Rental fees typically run from $15-25 per hour depending on what kind you get and seasonal demand, with life jackets provided for everyone no matter their swimming ability or experience level.
The boathouse operates during warm weather months, generally from late spring through early fall, though exact dates depend on weather conditions and lake maintenance schedules. Reservations usually aren't needed during regular operations, but availability works on a first-come, first-served basis during busy times like weekends and holidays. Groups planning special events or large parties should contact the boathouse directly for availability and group pricing.
All watercraft stay within the lake boundaries, giving you scenic tours with views of downtown Oklahoma City's skyline, the Skydance Bridge, and surrounding park landscapes. Rental periods include basic safety instruction and equipment checks to keep everyone safe. The controlled lake environment makes boating accessible to families with children and adults with limited boating experience.
Scissortail Park stays open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM year-round, giving plenty of access for early morning joggers and evening visitors. These hours work for different schedules while making sure there's adequate time for maintenance and security operations. During special events, the park might extend hours or limit access to specific areas for setup and cleanup.
The Scissortail Park Foundation handles daily operations and can change hours for weather emergencies or major maintenance projects. Visitors should check the park's official website or social media for any temporary closures or schedule changes, especially during severe weather events that are common in Oklahoma. Parking areas and bathroom facilities follow the same schedule as the park itself.
Individual amenities within the park keep separate schedules. Spark restaurant runs during regular business hours, while the Scissortail Boathouse seasonal schedule depends on weather conditions and lake maintenance needs. These variations mean visitors can enjoy basic park access even when specific facilities are closed for maintenance or the season.
Scissortail Park offers completely free admission for everyone, reflecting its status as a public park funded through taxpayer investment via the MAPS 3 program. No entry fees, parking charges, or access restrictions apply to general park use including walking trails, playgrounds, dog park, and most recreational facilities. This openness makes sure all Oklahoma City residents and visitors can enjoy the space no matter their financial situation.
Specific activities within the park cost money for equipment rental or services. Scissortail Boathouse charges fees for pedal boat and canoe rentals, typically running from $15-25 per hour depending on what kind you get and the season. Spark restaurant runs as a commercial business with standard pricing for food and drinks, though visitors can bring their own meals to eat throughout the park.
Special events might include ticketed concerts or festivals that charge admission for specific performance areas while keeping free access to other park sections. The Love's Travel Stops Stage hosts both free community events and paid concerts depending on the performer and who's organizing. Food trucks working during events set their own prices for menu items, giving you various price points to fit different budgets.
Multiple parking options serve Scissortail Park visitors, though availability changes a lot during major events and busy times. The Omni Oklahoma City Hotel has guest parking that's generally not available to park visitors, while nearby surface lots and street parking offer public access. Most convenient parking sits within a 2-3 block radius of the park entrances.
During big concerts or festivals, parking fills up fast throughout downtown Oklahoma City, especially within walking distance of the park. Event organizers often suggest using the Oklahoma City Streetcar system, which connects to Bricktown and other districts with more parking availability. Ride-sharing services work from designated pickup spots near both Upper and Lower park entrances during events.
Street parking works under standard Oklahoma City rules with time limits and meter requirements during business hours. Some nearby private lots offer event parking for fees ranging from $10-25 during major concerts. Visitors coming to smaller events or visiting during off-peak hours typically find adequate free or low-cost parking within reasonable walking distance of their desired park entrance.
Scissortail Park hosts year-round programming that includes major concerts, cultural festivals, farmers markets, and community celebrations throughout all four seasons. The Love's Travel Stops Stage holds nationally touring artists alongside local performers, with concert capacity ranging from 15,000 to 25,000 people depending on how the event is set up and what the artist needs.
The Scissortail Park Foundation keeps an official events calendar updated regularly with confirmed programming, though major concert announcements often happen months ahead through ticketing partners and entertainment promoters. Popular annual events include holiday celebrations, summer concert series, and cultural festivals celebrating Oklahoma City's diverse communities. Food truck rallies and farmers markets give you regular programming that doesn't need advance planning.
Event schedules adapt to Oklahoma's seasonal weather patterns, with more outdoor programming packed into spring and fall months when temperatures stay comfortable for extended outdoor time. Summer events often start in the evening to skip peak afternoon heat, while winter programming might bring in heated areas or indoor venue partnerships. Visitors should double-check specific event details and any weather-related changes through official channels before heading to the park.
Dogs are welcome throughout most of Scissortail Park, with leash requirements in all areas except the designated off-leash dog park in the Upper Park section. The dog park has separate areas for different dog sizes, making sure large and small breeds can interact safely while giving owners peace of mind during off-leash play time.
Pet owners need to clean up after their animals throughout the park, with waste disposal stations and bags provided at multiple spots. Water fountains designed for both people and pets make sure everyone stays hydrated during Oklahoma's hot weather. The park's open spaces and walking trails give you excellent opportunities for leashed exercise and socializing.
Certain park areas restrict pet access during specific events or activities. The sprayground and children's playground areas typically don't allow pets for cleanliness and safety reasons, though service animals get accommodation under applicable regulations. During major concerts or festivals, dense crowds might create stressful conditions for pets, so owners should think about their animal's temperament and comfort level before bringing them to large events.
Spark restaurant serves as the park's main permanent eating spot, offering burgers, frozen custard, and other casual food in a mid-century modern setting with both indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant stays open year-round during regular business hours, giving you consistent food service no matter the weather or special events happening elsewhere in the park.
Food truck programming adds to permanent dining with rotating vendors offering different cuisines that reflect Oklahoma City's growing food scene. During peak seasons and special events, multiple food trucks provide options ranging from barbecue and tacos to international specialties and desserts. The Scissortail Park Foundation coordinates food truck schedules to make sure you get variety and prevent overcrowding in vendor areas.
Visitors can bring their own food and drinks to enjoy throughout the park, with numerous picnic tables, benches, and grassy areas that work great for outdoor dining. This flexibility helps families with dietary restrictions, budget considerations, or specific food preferences. Grilling isn't allowed for safety and environmental reasons, but the park's design includes multiple shaded areas perfect for picnic lunches and snacks.
Oklahoma City Streetcar gives you direct service to Scissortail Park through its downtown loop system, with stops right next to both Upper and Lower park entrances. The streetcar connects to Bricktown entertainment district, Midtown shopping areas, and other downtown destinations, offering complete public transit access without needing a car.
Streetcar operation follows regular schedules throughout the week, with extended service during major events and festivals to handle increased ridership. The system runs modern, climate-controlled vehicles that keep you comfortable during Oklahoma's changeable weather. Real-time arrival information helps riders plan connections and cut down waiting times.
Bus routes run by EMBARK, Oklahoma City's public transit authority, serve downtown areas within walking distance of the park. Route planning tools and mobile apps provide current schedule information and trip planning help for visitors who aren't familiar with the local transit system. During large events, additional service might run to handle increased ridership demand.
Upper Park features groomed landscapes, formal event spaces, and city amenities designed to handle large crowds and structured programming. This 40-acre section includes the Love's Travel Stops Stage, Scissortail Lake with boathouse rentals, Spark restaurant, children's playground, and sprayground facilities. The design style emphasizes clean lines, managed plantings, and infrastructure that supports major concerts and festivals.
Lower Park spans 30 acres with wilder, nature-focused design that copies Oklahoma's Cross Timbers region through native grasses, wildflowers, and winding trails. Athletic facilities including the Sports Pavilion with courts for futsal, basketball, and pickleball, plus a full-size soccer field, handle active recreation needs. Union Station Plaza brings in historic architecture while giving open space for community gatherings.
Crossing the Skydance Bridge creates what visitors often describe as a shift from "city" to "country" atmosphere. Upper Park's formal design works for business travelers, tourists, and large events, while Lower Park appeals to fitness enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those looking for quieter recreational experiences. Both sections offer different but complementary experiences within the same 70-acre park system.
Swimming isn't allowed in Scissortail Lake due to safety regulations and water quality management requirements. The lake works mainly as a scenic feature and limited recreational boating spot rather than a swimming destination. This restriction keeps water quality consistent for wildlife habitat and eliminates liability concerns that come with swimming in urban park settings.
The seasonal sprayground in Upper Park gives kids water play opportunities during hot weather months. This controlled aquatic facility offers safe water recreation with features designed specifically for young visitors, including fountains, splash areas, and shallow water features. The sprayground operates under health department oversight with regular water quality testing and maintenance.
Oklahoma City has multiple public swimming pools and aquatic centers throughout the metro area for residents wanting swimming and water recreation. The nearby YMCA and other fitness facilities provide indoor swimming year-round, while several city pools offer seasonal outdoor swimming during summer months. These dedicated aquatic facilities make sure you have safe, supervised swimming opportunities beyond what Scissortail Park provides.
The Sports Pavilion in Lower Park holds multiple court surfaces including one futsal court, two full-size basketball courts, and four pickleball courts designed to current tournament standards. These facilities handle both casual pickup games and organized league play, with court lighting letting you play in the evening during extended daylight hours throughout much of the year.
A full-size grass soccer field gives you space for organized matches and casual pickup games, keeping natural turf despite Oklahoma's challenging climate conditions. The field fits both adult and youth programming, with local leagues scheduling regular games and tournaments. Open play policies let you walk up and use it when organized activities aren't happening.
Additional recreational opportunities include the extensive walking and jogging trails throughout both Upper and Lower park sections, covering several miles of paved and natural surface paths. The dog park gives off-leash areas for pet exercise and socializing. While not traditional sports facilities, these amenities support active lifestyles and fitness activities for park visitors of all ages and ability levels.
Walking across the 380-foot Skydance Bridge typically takes 5-7 minutes at a comfortable pace, though many visitors spend extra time stopping for photos and enjoying panoramic views of downtown Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma River. The bridge includes rest areas with seating and weather protection, encouraging leisurely crossings rather than rushed transit.
The bridge's dramatic curves and 197-foot sculpture height create multiple spots for photography and sightseeing. Sunset hours turn out to be especially popular as the lighting highlights both the bridge's architectural features and the city skyline backdrop. Weather conditions affect crossing comfort, with wind exposure higher than ground level and limited shelter during rain.
Bicycle crossing adds minimal time to the trip, with dedicated bike lanes making sure both pedestrians and cyclists pass safely. The bridge fits wheelchairs and mobility devices with ADA-compliant surfaces and gentle grade changes. Safety railings and non-slip surfaces give you secure footing during Oklahoma's variable weather conditions, including ice and rain that occasionally affect outdoor surfaces.
Scissortail Park has multiple bathroom facilities strategically placed throughout both Upper and Lower park sections to make sure you have convenient access no matter where you are. Modern facilities include accessible stalls meeting ADA requirements, baby changing stations, and climate control for year-round comfort during Oklahoma's extreme temperature swings.
Additional amenities include drinking fountains designed for both people and pets, with water bottle filling stations promoting sustainable practices. Picnic tables, benches, and shaded seating areas spread throughout the park, giving you rest spots and dining spaces if you bring your own food and drinks.
Maintenance facilities and first aid stations support park operations and visitor safety, though serious medical emergencies need standard emergency services response. Security personnel patrol regularly during operating hours, with emergency phones located at key spots throughout the park. The Scissortail Park Foundation maintains these facilities year-round, keeping consistent service no matter the weather or seasonal programming changes.
Private event hosting at Scissortail Park needs coordination with the Scissortail Park Foundation, which handles facility reservations and makes sure events follow park regulations and public access requirements. The park fits various private events including weddings, corporate gatherings, and community celebrations, though certain restrictions apply to preserve public access and environmental protection.
Event planners need to get appropriate permits and insurance coverage, with requirements changing based on event size, how long it lasts, and what specific facilities you want. Popular wedding locations include areas near Scissortail Lake with downtown skyline backdrops and sections of Lower Park offering natural settings. The Skydance Bridge gives you dramatic photo opportunities, though exclusive access isn't available since it works as public infrastructure.
Catering and vendor coordination needs advance planning, with the foundation giving guidelines for approved vendors and service requirements. Events need to allow ongoing public access to park facilities, meaning exclusive use of large areas typically isn't available except during specific circumstances. The foundation's event coordination team helps with logistics, permitting, and operational requirements to make sure events succeed while respecting both private needs and the public park mission.
Omni Oklahoma City Hotel sits right next to Scissortail Park, providing 605 rooms with many offering park views and immediate walking access to all park amenities. Hotel guests can use park facilities including walking trails, dining options, and event programming without needing transportation. The hotel's location makes it the most convenient place to stay for visitors who want easy park access.
Several downtown Oklahoma City hotels operate within walking distance of the park, including properties in the Bricktown entertainment district you can reach via streetcar or short walks. These places to stay provide various price points and amenity levels while keeping convenient access to park facilities and downtown attractions.
Business travelers attending events at the adjacent Convention Center often choose where to stay based on how close it is to both facilities. The integrated design of the park, hotel, and convention center creates a complete destination where visitors can attend conferences, use park recreational facilities, and reach dining and entertainment options without needing rental cars or extensive transportation planning.
Scissortail Park maintains full ADA compliance throughout its facilities, with paved pathways connecting all major amenities and attractions. The Skydance Bridge includes wheelchair-accessible routes with gentle grades and adequate width for mobility devices, making sure visitors with mobility challenges can experience the complete park including transitions between Upper and Lower sections.
Bathroom facilities, dining areas, and recreational amenities meet accessibility standards with appropriate door widths, surface materials, and support features. The Sports Pavilion includes accessible court areas and viewing spaces, while playground facilities bring in adaptive equipment suitable for children with varying physical abilities.
Parking areas include designated accessible spaces near major park entrances, with pathways giving direct routes to primary attractions without making you navigate stairs or steep grades. The park's design puts universal access first, making sure visitors using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids can fully participate in park programming and recreational opportunities. Special event planning includes accessibility considerations for temporary facilities and programming modifications.
Skydance Bridge LED lighting turns on automatically at dusk each day, with timing adjusted seasonally to fit Oklahoma's changing daylight hours. The programmable system runs sophisticated lighting shows during holidays and special events, with colors changing to celebrate Christmas, Independence Day, and local team victories or community celebrations.
Regular evening operation features white or amber lighting that lights up the bridge structure while creating a recognizable landmark visible throughout downtown Oklahoma City. The 197-foot sculpture becomes especially dramatic during evening hours, with lighting emphasizing the scissor-tailed flycatcher design inspiration and architectural curves.
Special occasion programming includes coordinated color displays that often line up with major events at the park or throughout the city. The Scissortail Park Foundation coordinates lighting themes with community celebrations, though regular visitors can expect consistent evening lighting no matter what special programming is happening. Weather conditions occasionally affect lighting operation during severe storms or maintenance periods that need temporary shutdown for safety reasons.
Driving Directions From Scissortail Pk, 300 SW 7th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 to 5-Star Towing OKC, 2800 SW 25th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 - 12 min (4.2 miles) via S Robinson Ave and SW 25th St
Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73109
Head south on S Robinson Ave toward SW 6th St - 0.1 mi
At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on S Robinson Ave - 1.2 mi
Turn right onto SW 23rd St - 0.8 mi
Turn left onto S Western Ave - 0.1 mi
Turn right onto SW 25th St/Commerce St
Continue to follow SW 25th St - 1.9 mi
Turn left, Destination will be on the right - 407 ft
5-Star Towing OKC, 2800 SW 25th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73108
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